Positive Self Talk
In many of the anger management and anxiety management lessons taught in SRSP there is an aspect of positive self talk. In the picture below shows the concept of how powerful our thoughts are. This is taken from the FRIENDS For Life program created by Dr. Paula Barrett. Dr. Barrett refers to the thoughts as "powerful thoughts" and says these thoughts effect our feelings and our behaviour. Many of the strategies taught in SRSP, such as The Turtle, have a step that involves positive self talk. This talk is a skill that can be modelled, role played, and practiced in order to make it an automatic strategy that can be used during times of anger, anxiety, problem solving, and stress. Below is a list of many positive self talk statements that we post, model, role play, and review at SRSP. Modelling these for your child at home will reinforce this skill beyond the classroom.
Positive Self Talk Statements:
"It is not a big deal"
" I can handle this"
"I can choose to have fun today"
"I can try my best"
"I don't have to be perfect"
"This is hard, but I can do it"
"I can ask for help if it gets too hard"
"I am getting better at ..."
"I am going to have a good day!"
Come up with your own statements at home and model them for your child.
Positive Self Talk Statements:
"It is not a big deal"
" I can handle this"
"I can choose to have fun today"
"I can try my best"
"I don't have to be perfect"
"This is hard, but I can do it"
"I can ask for help if it gets too hard"
"I am getting better at ..."
"I am going to have a good day!"
Come up with your own statements at home and model them for your child.